THE Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa has refuted reports circulating on social media about an impending lockdown in some areas of the country due to the spread of influenza-like illnesses (ILI).
Herbosa clarified that there is no planned lockdown, dismissing the rumors as “fake news.” He explained that the country is currently experiencing the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses, but emphasized that it is not a flu outbreak. He noted that the ILI season comprises various illnesses such as cough, colds, and fever, which tend to spread rapidly during the rainy season.
Herbosa reiterated that there is no ILI outbreak or epidemic in the National Capital Region (NCR) and that the current number of cases is within the expected range for this time of year.
He also pointed out that the number of ILI cases in September was lower than the number reported during the same period last year. Herbosa advised the public to wear masks and stay home when sick as a general public health recommendation, but stressed that there is no need for a lockdown as there is no outbreak from a single virus.
metrosundaily
